1. Bible reading
Acts chapter 10
Be Open

2. “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

4. Sunday
Out

7. A few definitions

8. A few definitions
Migrant: A person who chooses to go to a country other than their own for social or economic reasons.

9. A few definitions
Migrant: A person who chooses to go to a country other than their own for social or economic reasons.
Refugee: A person who lives in a country other than their own because they fear persecution back home.

10. A few definitions
Migrant: A person who chooses to go to a country other than their own for social or economic reasons.
Refugee: A person who lives in a country other than their own because they fear persecution back home.
Asylum seeker: A person who has applied to the UK government for refugee status because of their fear of persecution back home.

16. Deuteronomy 24:17

17. Deuteronomy 24:17
Matthew 25:37-40

19. Two questions
Do you think OBC is called to show a particular welcome to asylum seekers and refugees?
What personal and whole-church challenges would be raised by supporting asylum seekers and refugees?

22. Remember that formerly you who are gentiles by birth… were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. [Ephesians 2:11-14]

23. All embracing God,
you love all people as your children.
Here we are: demonstrating both the variety of human life,
and your call to unity.
The hope we have, whoever we are,
is founded on your grace.

24. We pray for people whose humanity is denied by others;
for those persecuted or imprisoned
because of their religion or their politics.
We remember those who flee all that is familiar to look for safety in a foreign land.

25. Soften our hearts that we might offer refuge.
Stir up in us welcome before suspicion.
Broaden the circle of our church family
that more might find comfort here.
[open prayer]

26. Jesus, our Lord, Refugee from heaven,
who found asylum in the arms of Mary,
who fled the persecution of Herod,
who died that hostility should end,
hear our prayer,
Amen.